Tips to Choose the Right College

Where you go to college is a big choice. Some people don't have much of a choice because they only get into one college. However, when you are looking at colleges, it can be quite difficult to compare colleges to pick the one that you want to go to.

Here are some tips to help you choose the college that is best for you.

Don't forget to look at big and small colleges. Some colleges are really small, and some are big. Some people prefer a small class so that they know everyone, while others don't mind being lost in a sea of people.

Make sure it offers the correct curriculum. You are going to college to be prepared for the rest of your life. Because of that, it is really important that you go to a college that will help you get the job that you eventually want.

Look at the extracurricular activities. While athletes often choose schools based on their athletic programs, you may also want to consider what extracurricular activities the college offers. You are going to want to fit in, and the best way to do so is by making friends who have the same interests as you do. 

Look into the finances. College is expensive, so you need to learn how much it will cost. You can also get a good idea about the financial aid offered. Unfortunately, where you go to college often comes down to the cost.

Pick the right location. While many dream of living away from home, others want to live at home and save money. Only you can decide which is best for you.

Visit the college. Even if a college looks perfect on paper, it does not mean that you will like it. Take a tour of the college. See if you can stay with a student to get a feel for it. If possible, watch some classes that you may end up taking.

While you are there, make sure that you take the time to talk to other students. Nothing is better than talking to students. They will tell you exactly what college is like, and it can be a real eye-opener.

Trust your gut. There are times when you know which school to choose. Follow your heart, and you can't go wrong.

Remember that you can always change your mind. Many people get stuck deciding on a college because they fear they can't change their minds. You can try a year and transfer if the school is not right for you.

Choosing a college can be difficult, but it is worth it. You will be set for the rest of your life when you find the right college. As long as you find common interests with other students, you may even make some friends that will stick by you for the rest of your life. 

For this reason, you shouldn't take this decision lightly. Look at many different colleges of different sizes. Look at some that are close to home, and others that are far away. Make sure that you choose one that has what you want to study, as well as good extracurricular activities. It is also important to talk finances and scholarships.

When you narrow it down to a few, take the time to go and visit. Take tours and talk to other students. Could you see yourself living there?

At some point, you may just have to trust your gut. But, even if you quickly find out that this college isn't the right one, you aren't stuck there. You can transfer in a few months or a year!

***

Previously published on Medium and/or Newsbreak.